Other determinants of sample size- sampling decisions, Operation Research

Other Determinants of Sample Size

1. The variability of elements within the population has become a very important factor to decide the sample size. The more variable the strata or cluster the large the sample taken from the population.

2.Cost exerts a direct impact on the stratified or cluster samples. Unequal costs per observation by start or by cluster are also taken into consideration for deciding the sample size. The researcher therefore makes an initial estimate of the cost.

3. The precision is also taken account of besides the cost and variability to determine the sample size.

4. The tolerable error variance of stratum confidence level etc. Are also conserve to decide the sample size.

5. The respondents attitude may also influence the sample size. In case of mail surveys some residents may not reply. The sample size may be restricted with the willingness of the respondents to respond to the questionnaires. Even if the questionnaires is unattended a second questionnaires and a third follow up letter may be sent to the respondents. These attempts will increase the sample size.